For trend-conscious health-conscious people, the start of a new year can mean the start of “Dry January.”
A month-long public health campaign is encouraging people to cut back on alcohol as a way to improve their health and wellbeing.
But does abstinence for a month really have a positive impact on your health?
Experts say yes in most cases, but it's not absolutely necessary for everyone.
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“Ultimately, a month of abstinence like Dry January may be harmless for the vast majority of people who don't have severe alcohol use disorder,” said Dr. says Dr. Denis Calise of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
“Diagnosis is characterized as mild, moderate and severe,” Carise continued. “If heavy drinkers stop suddenly, they can run into very serious health risks, so they need to be careful.”
Dry January is a month-long public health campaign that encourages people to abstain from alcohol and alcohol. (St. Petersburg)
“I've been doing it for years,” said financial broker John Hayes. “After all the holiday parties from Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year's Eve, it's a great time to hit the reset button.” in atlanta georgiaspoke to Fox News Digital last year about Dry January.
“It feels like a million dollars. It's a big advocate,” he added.
The benefits of Dry January vary from person to person, but for many, it acts as a reset button after the indulgence of a vacation, promoting overall well-being and healthy habits.
Will “Dry January” actually improve your life?
If you don't drink alcohol for a month, lower blood pressurelowering cholesterol and diabetes risk, and cancer-related proteins in the blood.
“It's not about giving up something. It's about taking something back. Let's get the fun back. Let's get the energy back. Let's get the sobriety back,” the group Alcohol Change UK said on its website. This is the organization behind the 'Dry January' campaign, offering an app and several tools to support people taking on the challenges of the new year.
If you're thinking of taking part in Dry January this year, there are health considerations you should be aware of before cutting out alcohol for a month.
Effects of alcohol on physical health
Cutting out alcohol for a month can significantly reduce your expenses. This is especially true after the holiday season when spending increases. It's also an opportunity to save money while reevaluating your spending habits.
Besides saving money on the alcoholic beverages you don't buy in January, the biggest health benefit you'll get is avoiding unnecessary calories.
Besides saving money from alcoholic beverages you don't buy, the biggest health benefit is avoiding unnecessary calories. (St. Petersburg)
According to the USDA's FoodData Central database, one can of beer has about 154 calories and 5 ounces of wine has about 123 calories.
Various spirits and liqueurs, such as sake, whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin, tend to have less than 100 calories per ounce.
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These totals can quickly increase as people drink cocktails.
According to estimated calorie intake published by the FDA, men over the age of 21 can consume 2,400 to 3,000 calories and 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day, respectively, depending on how active their lifestyle is.
Avoiding alcohol may improve your digestive system.
Research results show that even moderate amounts of alcohol can shrink the brain
Alcohol is thought to be a diuretic, which means it stimulates urine output and can lead to dehydration if you're not drinking enough water.
According to a study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, “heavy alcohol consumption” appears to “worse gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with irritable bowel syndrome,” including abdominal pain, stomach pain, bloating, intestinal gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms include , nausea, and heartburn. and indigestion.
Drinking alcohol before bed can have negative effects such as disturbed sleep and staying up late. (St. Petersburg)
According to the National Sleep Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that provides expert-backed information on sleep, consuming alcohol before bed can disrupt rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and cause insomnia. It is known that similar effects can occur.
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Abstaining from alcoholic beverages at night and in general may result in deeper, more stable sleep, which may result in more energy throughout the day, the nonprofit reports. .
Improved sleep quality during this time will give you more energy and refreshed thinking during the day. This initiative encourages self-reflection and allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their relationship with alcohol.
Effects of alcohol on mental health
Dr. Darryl Appleton, a psychotherapist who works in New York City and New England, says cutting back on alcohol can have positive effects on your mental health.
“Many of my clients approach Dry January as a ritual of mental and emotional detox and self-mastery,” Appleton said. “Who a person is, what their past includes, and their drinking intentions for the rest of the year will determine the impact on that person's overall health.”
Experts say cutting back on alcohol can help improve your mental health. (St. Petersburg)
She continued, “On the positive side, giving your body and brain a break from alcohol may reduce cortisol and the stress it puts on your system, allowing you to rest and repair. Alcohol Because alcohol is a depressant, taking a break will also reveal whether alcohol is masking emotional symptoms. [bandage], or we contribute to anger, sadness, and loneliness by making them worse. ”
Sober months like Dry January can help people assess their relationship with alcohol, she added.
Weaning yourself from alcohol often stabilizes your mood, reduces anxiety, and generally lifts your emotions. Many Dry January participants report that not consuming alcohol increases their mental clarity, improves their concentration, and improves their ability to concentrate.
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“On the less healthy side, stopping a cold in someone with alcohol use disorder can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, seizures, and even death,” Appleton warned.
“It is essential that you understand your relationship with alcohol before making the decision to cut it off completely and abruptly.”
Participating in Dry January comes with its own set of hurdles. Avoiding alcohol at social gatherings where alcohol is prevalent can make you feel left out and pressured to drink.
It can be difficult to overcome deep-seated habits tied to stress and emotions, as alcohol may have been a coping mechanism.
During this time, emotional fluctuations such as irritability and cravings may appear, especially if the environment is not supportive. Successfully dealing with these obstacles often requires planning, seeking out a supportive community, and staying true to your personal reasons for accepting Dry January.
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Embracing these challenges as part of the journey fosters a deeper understanding of resilience and our relationship with alcohol, making Dry January a transformative experience that goes beyond a simple month-long commitment.
Courtney Moore contributed reporting.
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